THE OFFICE WORKOUT

Below are a few stretch and exercises taken out of the Beginner's Guide to Fitness on the Military.com eBook Fitness Store.

Here are five easy stretches and exercises to get the blood flowing. Slightly increasing your level of activity will aid in increasing your energy level. More energy can lead to greater productivity at your job or school work. All it takes is a few minutes a couple times a day to relieve job-related stress, increase your energy level, and ultimately, make you healthier.

Before stretching - walk around the office for about 3-5 minutes. Get some water, go to the bathroom...

Five Key Stretches
(do stretches for 15-30 seconds)

1) Neck Stretches - Slowly tilt your head toward your shoulder and hold for ten seconds each side. Keep this one slow and easy, the neck is very easy to injure.

2) Arm Shoulders - Pull your arm across your chest, hook your other arm around it to pull the tension out of your upperback and rear shoulders.

1) Legs - Squats - Stand in front of your chair and repeat sitting down and standing up 10 times three times a day.

2) Shoulder Shrugs - Just pull your shoulders as high as you can and roll them forward ten times and backward ten times throughout the day.

3) Dumbbell Curls - While on the phone, you can grab a dumbbell and do bicep curls for 20 repetitions three times a day. Straighten your arms by your side and bring your hand (dumbbell) to your shoulder. Keep your palms up. Do one at a time if on the phone.

4) Bench Dips - Using your chair or sturdy table, place your hands on the edge of the object and bend your arms to slowly lower yourself about six inches lower than the seat. Raise yourself by straightening your arms. Repeat this three times a day for 10 repetitions.

5) Assisted Push-up - In the office, lean up against your desk and push yourself away from the desk while in a leaning position. Repeat this three times a day for 10 repetitions.

Sometimes the office life can wear you down physically. Revive yourself occasionally with a few stretches and basic exercises. Don't let Office Duty make you pay for larger uniforms or new work clothes (unless they are smaller ones!).